Writing

Introducing 'Just Enough Migration'After finding my previous static site generation process too slow and cumbersome, I explored migrating to Ghost but found the costs and technical friction prohibitive. This post explains why I ultimately adopted a strategy of "Just Enough Migration" by settling for a simple, managed WordPress host rather than chasing a perfect technical solution.

windowsFebruary 1, 2020

How to run business logic code as background jobs in Microsoft AzureIf you are looking for a clear, prioritized guide to running background business logic on Microsoft Azure, this post breaks down the various options available for developers and architects. I focus on starting with WebJobs as the easiest, simplest, and most affordable choice, detailing how they can be used to execute scripts and binaries continuously or on a schedule without requiring complex rewrites.

azureJanuary 29, 2020

Interesting events and meetups in Finland for January and FebruaryIf you are in Finland and interested in technology, I want to share a curated list of upcoming Azure, AI, and cloud computing meetups for January and February that align with my professional focus. As I ramp up on my new role at Microsoft, I have highlighted these free local events where I will also be presenting sessions to help support our growing tech community.

azureJanuary 23, 2020

Azure Community: Azure Heroes is now liveI am excited to share that the Azure Heroes program is now live, offering a way for technical Azure practitioners to be recognized and empowered through blockchain-backed digital badges. This initiative highlights contributions such as inclusive leadership, content creation, and mentorship, so I encourage you to nominate yourself or others via the provided form while noting that current Azure MVPs can nominate peers but cannot be nominated themselves.

azureJanuary 21, 2020

Microsoft Edge is now available!Drawing on my decade-long history as a Chrome user, I share why I switched to the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge and found it familiar yet refreshingly new. I explain how the browser is now generally available across all major platforms and detail the benefits of using both stable and Insider channels for testing.

windowsJanuary 16, 2020

Quick book review: Smart Marketing for Engineers: An Inbound Marketing Guide to Reaching Technical AudiencesIf you are a technical professional looking to understand how to effectively market to other engineers, this review breaks down the practical lessons and limitations of Rebecca Geier’s *Smart Marketing for Engineers*. I found the book’s concise, 200-page format accessible and its core message about treating content like a product particularly resonant, though I noted that some examples feel overused and the website design section too basic for seasoned professionals. Ultimately, while the inbound marketing concepts are valuable, you may need to adapt the American-centric strategies to fit your specific regional context and existing industry knowledge.

productivityJanuary 13, 2020

Building a high-performance workstation PC for professional use (Part 1)Join me as I document the upgrade of my five-year-old home workstation, sharing my criteria for selecting components optimized for virtualization and professional tasks rather than gaming. I explain why I chose to build a custom PC instead of buying a traditional server, focusing on balancing performance, noise levels, and cost for a setup that handles Plex, VMs, and daily development work.

windowsJanuary 8, 2020

My experience using the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro fitness watch for 100 daysDrawing on my extensive history with Garmin devices, I share my impressions after 100 days of using the Fenix 6X Pro as an upgrade from my trusted Fenix 3 HR. I explore why I remained loyal to the Garmin ecosystem over competitors like Apple Watch, highlighting the new model’s robust features and seamless integration with accessories like the HRM-Run belt and Tempe sensor.

cybersecurityJanuary 2, 2020

Hello, 2020! And thanks 2019 - you were awesome!I invite you to explore a quantified reflection on my productive 2019, where I share tangible achievements ranging from writing two books and publishing 75 blog posts to pursuing an Executive MBA and traveling globally. This post details how I balanced these professional milestones with personal growth, including improving my fitness, cleaning up digital baggage, and renewing my industry awards.

azureJanuary 1, 2020

So, what's up?If you are curious about how I am navigating life after an extended leave of absence, this post shares my recent journey of settling personal and business affairs while focusing on well-being. I reflect on the joy of spending time with my young son, my productive return to schoolwork, and the new daily rhythm built around early mornings and coffee that helps me maintain perspective and momentum.

productivityDecember 19, 2019

Building a monitoring solution for Office 365 service availability using Azure Logic AppsIf you are looking for a straightforward way to track the health of your Office 365 services, this post walks you through leveraging the Office 365 Service Communications API. I explain how to register an Azure AD application, configure the necessary permissions, and set up a monitoring solution using Azure Logic Apps to keep your tenant's status in check.

microsoft 365December 17, 2019

Getting started with a podcast - the equipment, setup, and logisticsIf you are wondering what goes into launching a podcast, this post shares my personal journey in creating "Ctrl+Alt+Azure" with Tobias Zimmergren. I detail the specific equipment we chose, including microphones and preamps, to help you understand the logistics and setup required for a successful production workflow.

productivityDecember 11, 2019

Building a monitoring solution for Power Platform events using PowerShell, C#, Azure Log Analytics, and Azure SentinelIf you are struggling with the manual effort and limited retention of Office 365 audit logs for Power Platform governance, this post shares my practical solution. I explain how I built an automated monitoring system using PowerShell and C# to extract these logs and integrate them with Azure Log Analytics and Azure Sentinel, offering a cost-effective alternative to additional licensing.

power platformDecember 9, 2019

My next adventure begins now - I'm joining Microsoft!Read on to discover how a period of deep reflection and career transition led me to join Microsoft as an Azure Developer Product Marketing Manager. I share my journey of evaluating my life goals after a decade in entrepreneurship and explain why this new role in Western Europe feels like the right next step for my ambitions and passion.

microsoft 365December 7, 2019

See you next week at the European SharePoint, Office 365 & Azure Conference in Prague!Join me in Prague as I share behind-the-scenes insights on the conference program I helped create and details about my upcoming talks on Azure solutions and Power Platform tools. I look forward to meeting you there to discuss these topics, share copies of our new books, and connect with friends and colleagues at the ShareGate booth.

azureNovember 28, 2019

Adding a free SSL certificate to an Azure Web AppI walk you through my hands-on experience testing Microsoft’s new free SSL certificate feature for Azure Web Apps, a capability I was eager to try after its announcement at Ignite 2019. Following my excitement about avoiding third-party certificate costs, I demonstrate how to provision a test web app using Azure CLI and prepare the necessary DNS settings to secure a custom domain.

azureNovember 24, 2019

Generating random numbers from a lava lamp using .NET CoreInspired by Cloudflare’s LavaRand system, I share my experience building a makeshift random number generator using a lava lamp, a webcam, and .NET Core. I explore the technical challenges of capturing true randomness from analog chaos and why creating this intentionally fragile setup offered more educational value than standard algorithms.

software developmentNovember 19, 2019

Back home from Ignite 2019!I share my reflections from Microsoft Ignite 2019, highlighting how networking and hallway conversations provided more value than scheduled sessions for gathering ideas. I also discuss the importance of professional conduct, arguing that treating others with respect and kindness is essential when representing yourself and your community at large events.

microsoft 365November 14, 2019

On my way to Microsoft Ignite 2019I share my preparations for Microsoft Ignite 2019, including two upcoming technical sessions and the release of my new book on Azure Governance. I also discuss the progress of my podcast and my plan to recharge in Dubai before traveling to Orlando for the conference.

azureOctober 31, 2019

Stretching time, or how to get things done when you're busyDrawing from five years of personal experience, I share how I successfully balanced intense workloads of up to 55 hours a week with a sustainable lifestyle. By leveraging tools like heart rate variability tracking to manage my energy levels, I demonstrate that high productivity is achievable without sacrificing well-being or personal interests.

productivityOctober 28, 2019